Chicago Bar Association findings for candidates in countywide races - Part I

As reported earlier today, the Chicago Bar Association has released its ratings for candidates seeking judicial office. The CBA's complete list can be accessed from here (and there's a mobile-friendly link as well).

I will get to all of the CBA's ratings in the near future. These are the CBA's evaluations of candidates for the countywide Brewer, Clay, and Dooling vacancies:

Brewer Vacancy

ORAN F. WHITING - QUALIFIED

Oran F. Whiting is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Whiting was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1987 and is currently a solo practitioner concentrating in insurance defense, commercial litigation, aviation, and healthcare law. Mr. Whiting has vast experience in litigation and transactional work and enjoys a reputation for fairness and compassion.

KATHRYN MALONEY-VAHEY - QUALIFIED

Kathryn Maloney-Vahey is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Maloney-Vahey was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1998 and has served as a Cook County Assistant Public Defender for her entire career. Ms. Maloney-Vahey has extensive experience in both criminal and mental health law. Ms. Maloney-Vahey has excellent writing skills and is highly regarded for her outstanding temperament, diligence, legal knowledge and ability.

JOHN MAHER - QUALIFIED

John Maher is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Maher was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1993 and is currently serving as Deputy Supervisor, Gang Crimes Unit, at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office. Mr. Maher has extensive jury trial experience and possesses all the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

Clay Vacancy

KATHALEEN THERESA LANAHAN - QUALIFIED

Kathaleen T. Lanahan is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Lanahan was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1993 and has served as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney for 23 ½ years. Ms. Lanahan has extensive jury and non-jury trial experience. Ms. Lanahan is well regarded for her work ethic, fine demeanor, fairness, knowledge of the law, and legal ability.

JONATHAN CLARK GREEN - QUALIFIED

Jonathan Clark Green is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Green was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1986 and is currently Senior Counsel in the Federal Civil Rights Litigation Division in the City of Chicago’s Law Department. Mr. Green is well rounded in the law and has had extensive experience in complex legal matters. Mr. Green is hardworking, passionate about the law, and well regarded by his peers and adversaries for his outstanding demeanor, knowledge of the law and legal ability.

MICHAEL I. O’MALLEY - NOT RECOMMENDED

Michael I. O’Malley is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. O’Malley was admitted to practice law in 2005 and has served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney for 10 ½ years. Mr. O’Malley is currently assigned to the Civil Division, but has had criminal bench and jury trial experience and experience in handling financial crimes. Mr. O’Malley is a CPA and prior to his admission to the bar worked in the banking industry. Mr. O’Malley is knowledgeable and has good practice experience. The Committee believes that additional practice experience will better prepare him for service as a circuit court judge.

LORI ANN ROPER - NOT RECOMMENDED

Lori A. Roper is “Not Recommended” for the office of Associate Judge. Ms. Roper was admitted to the practice of law in Illinois in 1994. Ms. Roper has a fine demeanor and is a skilled lawyer. However, the candidate failed to disclose a number of creditor lawsuits against her, as well as detailed listings of bench trials.

Dooling Vacancy

ATHANASIOS (TOM) SIANIS - QUALIFIED

Athanasios (Tom) Sianis is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Sianis was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2004 and served as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney. Mr. Sianis is currently serving as Director of Enforcement for the Illinois Securities Department. Mr. Sianis has substantial trial and administrative law experience and is well regarded for his legal knowledge, diligence, integrity, and calm demeanor.

TIMOTHY JOHN LEEMING - QUALIFIED

Timothy John Leeming is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Leeming was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1986 and served in private practice until 1988 when he became a Cook County Assistant Public Defender. Mr. Leeming has extensive civil, criminal, and appellate practice experience. Mr. Leeming has tried many complex cases and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, work ethic, legal ability, and calm demeanor.

CORRI DIANE FETMAN - NOT RECOMMENDED

Corri Diane Fetman declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.